Too basic? Probably… Cheesy or overrated? Maybe…but I really think the key to enjoying your life is finding what truly makes you happy and fulfilled! This post isn’t about finding that perfect, coveted job but more so about what defines your life other than your work environment.
For me this is TRAVEL…y’all should know this by now…this is obviously a travel blog…
But this isn’t just about me; it’s about you too! And not only about travel. Because let’s be honest, working a 9-5 for the rest of your life isn’t the only thing that should define you. I get it too…the “working blues,” that slight depression or anxiety on Sunday when you know it’s time to start a new week (that is, if you don’t already work weekends like us healthcare folk and many other industries too). It’s a serious complex to a lot of people, but my solution is to find something else to define you other than your job. What you do with your free time should be something that you love!
We’ve all probably watched an overrated YouTube video or two about “finding your passion” or “finding the perfect job” where someone quits their fancy corporate job in New York City to become a digital nomad and travel the world endlessly. Yeah, cool, I get you! BUT while inspirational, these stores are more rare than common. I’m not going to pretend that I would hate to give it all up and travel the world, but for most like myself, it’s just not practical or reasonable. And that’s ok!
My best friend knew since highschool that she wanted to become an Interior Designer (not a decorator…educate yourself if you don’t know the difference), and it is the perfect job for her! She is one of the most skilled and creative people I know, and she gets to practice that every day in a work environment. If you can manage to combine the two and end up working in an industry that you are absolutely in love with, that’s ok too! In fact, it’s envious in a sense.
I’ve come to the realization that these “career passions” that some people evolve do not apply to everyone, and some people never figure out what they are enthusiastic about in that way. To be completely honest, my job works for my life because it pays pretty well, isn’t super strenuous (most days!), provides good benefits, and allows vacation time for TRAVELING! That’s real. It’s not mediocre or settling, it’s being realistic and the point I’m at in my life. Yes, even Millennials have bills and responsibilities calling!! Now, if one day the opportunity arises (or I pursue it further) for me to combine my love of travel with work, then I’ll be all in!
This post can be for everyone though, because your passion or hobby doesn’t have to be travel! Are you a great cook or love to bake? Are you creative and enjoy painting? Do you absolutely dream of having a big family and being a parent? Do you dream of being a skydive instructor? Do you like to do carpentry or household projects? Do you like hiking or running? Love volunteering at animal shelters?
Happiness is not defined by a job or a car or any amount of possessions either.
I’ve learned that experiences will bring you so much more happiness than any material item and satisfy your emotional needs as well…{hints the travel obession}. Travel helps to fill my free time, and even though I’m not always taking a trip, I’m always wanderlusting and researching new places.
What brings you joy? If you haven’t figured that out yet, then what are you waiting for?? I challenge you to do something for yourself when you have free time; figure out what you love and fill your time with it. Better yet, work to combine your work and passion! While that is probably the “ultimate goal,” I believe you can still be a happy, fulfilled person if it never happens. Leave me any thoughts you have below!
Down the Highway My Way 